The Opportunity

The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to cutting-edge research in computational acoustics, multiphysics simulation, and digital twin modelling. Working as part of the UNSW ADSUN program, a collaborative initiative focused on advanced underwater sensing technologies, in partnership with RMIT University, you will play a key role in developing and optimising acoustic sensing systems for underwater platforms. This role combines simulation, experimental investigation, and data integration to inform prototype design and deliver impactful research outcomes within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Due to project requirements, only Australian citizens, or citizens of Five Eyes or NATO member countries can be considered for this role.

This position will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and output by contributing to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participating in conferences and workshops, and actively engaging with industry partners.

The role reports to Dr Imrana Kabir and has no direct reports.

• Salary (Level A, Step 6) – AUD $113,911 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed-term contract – 1-year with possible extension
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Australian citizenship, or citizenship of Five Eyes or NATO member countries required for project eligibility

About us

UNSW is a world‑leading institution recognised for its scale, prestige, and impact. With strong industry engagement and partnerships across sectors, UNSW provides a unique environment where academic expertise translates into real‑world outcomes. The university is home to cutting‑edge research that drives innovation and societal progress, while its excellence in teaching ensures students are prepared to lead in their fields. For academics, UNSW offers an outstanding platform to flourish — combining world‑class facilities, collaborative networks, and a culture of innovation that supports both career growth and meaningful contributions to the wider community.

The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering that is internationally recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Our mission is to nurture students to become industry leaders who will generate societal, economic, and environmental benefits. The School is one of the largest and most prestigious schools Australia for thriving research programs and contribution to education excellence in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronic Engineering. Our Schools QS ranking for 2025 is #46 globally and the highest in Australia. For further information on our school, go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/mechanical-and-manufacturing-engineering

Skills & Experience

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Modelling, Acoustics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in multiphysics simulation, digital twin development, or computational modelling of complex systems.
• Proficiency with simulation software (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, MATLAB) and numerical analysis methods.
• Experience in acoustic, structural, and fluid-structure interaction simulations, ideally validated against experimental data.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex datasets and provide actionable insights for design optimisation.
• Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary teams and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines within a fixed-term contract.
• Understanding of research ethics, health and safety responsibilities, and professional standards.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
• To meet employment requirements, applicants must satisfy citizenship eligibility criteria (Australian citizens, or citizens of Five Eyes or NATO member countries).

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

To Apply: Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

To be eligible, applicants must hold Australian citizenship, or Five Eyes or NATO member countries citizenship and be able to work on‑site in Kensington.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

For role-specific inquiries, please contact Dr Imrana Kabir

E: i.kabir@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 20^th April 2026

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.